Meet Min Kim | Founder and Creative Director, Min + Co. Design Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Min Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Min, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Over the course of two decades of art directing in the beauty industry, I uncovered an essential need within the industry: beauty companies needed talent with specialized experience and resources who understood the competitive beauty market, not merely generalized services. While we were always looking for talented designers and creative professionals, it was difficult to find talent with the specific experience we needed.

When I began freelancing, colleagues from prior roles came to me for beauty-related projects, knowing that I had deep expertise in the industry and a proven portfolio of work. Based on this experience and personally understanding the challenge that companies have, it was a natural decision to open my own boutique studio to provide high-quality, specialized services for beauty clients that combined both my art direction experience and industry knowledge.

While my design studio is known for branding and packaging design work, I ultimately want to create a one-stop solution for beauty clients, including branding, packaging, and photography for brand storytelling projects. When companies work with me, I want them to feel assured that they are working with industry experts and will receive access to a broad network of creative professionals to help them achieve their creative and business goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

To me, branding is understanding culture and a unique story or perspective, and that’s why my story is inseparable from how I view the world through a creative lens.

Growing up as an immigrant, I felt like an outsider, living between two cultures. At an early age, art became my medium and tool to establish common ground and connection, breaking down barriers that otherwise would have been divisive.

My journey began in Seoul, Korea, where I was raised until age 12 before moving to Southern California. It’s here in the U.S. where I fell in love with typography after attending ArtCenter College of Design. After college I moved to New York City, and for 13 years, I had the fortune of working with some of the most prestigious beauty brands and startups in the world.

Now back in LA, I’m focused on partnering with beauty entrepreneurs and startups to help them tell their own unique stories.

This intercultural background and experience helps me to keep a curious and open mind for different perspectives. I am able to intertwine traditional Korean art and aesthetics with a contemporary voice. The beauty I see in the world and in my work comes from the combination of detailed craftsmanship and unexpected modern styling, all coming together in a “timeless” space.

The desire for connection between the past and the present is a common human experience and emotion, and it is at the core of what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would start the day with a stroll through the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. It’s a hidden gem that is never too crowded and houses some of the best pieces in the city. Then we would grab lunch in Old Town Pasadena, and explore some of the boutiques in the side alleys of the neighborhood.

Later that afternoon, we would stop by Two Kids Coffee in South Pasadena which has not only amazing coffee but also a wonderful, curated assortment of items for the home.

Finally, for dinner, we would head to Highland Park to get some delicious Taiwanese food at Joy on York and grab a glass of wine to finish the evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Family has been the biggest support and source of encouragement as I’ve gotten this business off the ground. My husband, Basil, has been a huge advocate and emotional foundation throughout the process. Also, my sisters (who are artists in their own right) and parents have kept me grounded and sane throughout this journey.

Outside of my family, Gregg Friedman of Stylhaus has been a huge supporter of mine, both professionally and personally. I worked closely with Gregg when I first moved to NYC, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him recently on several exciting projects, and it’s been great to stay in touch with him over the years.

Finally, Shanna Goldstone of Pari Passu has been a wonderful mentor, guide, and friend. I am inspired by her unrelenting pursuit of her passions and ideas; she goes for what she believes in, and I’ve always admired that about her. She’s the type of person who faces challenges and stress with optimism and grace.

There are many other people along the way who have helped me through this journey, and I’ve also been lucky to work along wonderful colleagues and female entrepreneurs who have pushed me toward excellence while maintaining a grounded sense of self.

Website: https://miniriskim.com/home

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miniriskim/